Liendo to Laredo

Up at 7am, out by 830 to eat and get coffee. The issue this morning,  do we walk to Laredo or take bus.  My toe was causing problems. 

Before we leave albergue, I decided to trim my toenail back.  When I did, it punctured the membrane that was retaining fluid, which was causing the swelling. It started draining immediately and what a difference that made. 

I wrapped toe in bandaid, put on one sock instead of two and decided we would walk.

Scenery was wonderful,  lots of up and down again today. By time we arrived in Laredo, my toe was killing me.

Arrived in Laredo at about 1045.  It was about 4.5 miles.  I found hospital so I could see doctor about my toe.

Language barrier is huge.  I don't understand enough Spanish to help and not many in Spain speak English. Finally determined I had to go to bank to make payment so I could be seen.  The hospital did not and would not take payment.  My insurance was not valid here.  Walked to bank,  made payment, walked back to hospital and waited another hour to be seen by doctor.

Got prescription from doctor.  He did nothing for my toe.  No bandage, bandaid, or even clean it.  Seriously, he did nothing.  Getting the prescription cost me 79€ and then I had to buy the meds.

Went into town, bought meds, and other supplies then went to find dinner and hopefully wider shoes.

Meds are amoxicillin and painkiller with anti inflammatory. Took first dose and hoped for best.

Went shopping for shoes, found nothing. Only store that would have had something was closed until October because owner was on vacation.

We went to church for the service.  Priest did blessing of pilgrims  (peregrinos).  Since I am not religious, it was interesting to watch all the ceremony and ritual that is used in the Catholic religion.  But, I got an incredible warm feeling from priest during blessing.

Went to musical service put on by nuns, attended by peregrinos. We all told our story, why were doing Camino and little about our life.

Went to bed feeling good.  Toe was getting better.

We had actually walked 8+ miles, due to shopping, eating, and back to church.

Day Four Done!